One Bag at a Time

When Bill Hybels was a kid his father made him unload bags upon bags of smelly potatoes. Bill complained to his father about the number of bags that still remained. “Don’t worry Billy,” his father said, “you only have to unload them one bag at a time.” Anytime you face a challenge take it, “one bag at a time.”
Anytime you find yourself worrying, begin to worship. When the car breaks down, praise God that you have a car. If your roof is leaking, sing and thank the Lord that you have a roof. If your kids need new shoes, be grateful that you have children. Worry less. Worship more.
Having a positive attitude is not a new fad, it is designed from God. Paul told the Church in Philippi, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (Philippians 4:8). This verse commissions us to, “dwell” on things of God. Keep your focus on what is true and honorable.

Jesus once said, “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Mathew 6:34). Worrying doesn’t fix anything. It only holds us down. Let go of the luggage and live one day at a time. This doesn’t mean we don’t plan for the future; this means that we don’t worry about the future. Worry is a thief. It robs us of time, and it robs us of joy. The great news is that we have the ability to stop the fear. Instead of worrying about the next task, enjoy the moment.

In life we can come across many challenges. While we cannot stop the needs from arriving, we can change our attitude. Keep the mindset of Bill’s father and approach every task, “One bag at a time.”